Submitting a Competitive Internship Application

 

The education team at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) has created an instructional video entitled “Submitting a Competitive Internship Application.” This webinar provides tips on planning, information on how to research an internship program, and instruction on incorporating experiences and skills into your application. Presenters included Claudia Bellard (Senior Administrative Assistant, LPI), Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak (Senior Professional Staff, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory), Dr. Edgard Rivera-Valentín (Staff Scientist and LPI Internship Coordinator, LPI), and Christine Shupla (Education and Public Engagement Manager, LPI).

Recommendations

  • Read the application and follow all of the instructions.
  • Do research on the internship and the possible advisors; and match your expertise and skills to the opportunities.
  • Tailor your application to the internship opportunity.
  • Be yourself, be original.
  • Sell yourself as if it were a job application:  your expertise, your skills, your interests.
  • Explain any issues (such as a low GPA) in your cover letter and letters of support, and how you are overcoming these challenges.
  • Give your references plenty of time to write their letters of support.
  • Provide details about yourself to those writing your reference letters.
  • Proofread your application and ask an advisor to review and give feedback before you submit it.

Presentations

Additional recommendations are at How To Stand Out When Competing For A Summer Internship.